Infants and Sleep Apnea are two things that we thought can never happen to our baby’s altogether. However, infants also encounter sleep apnea disorders that are categorized in the central apnea type.
More On Infants And Sleep Apnea
Infants and Sleep Apnea are two object of observation when this happen to infants. This is because infants are still very delicate and are very defenseless that they are not able to tell what is seems painful or even explain what they need. Sleep apnea in infants on the other hand must be well studied because it happens for almost all ages and may vary in their symptoms depending on the age of the one who has it.
What type of Sleep Apnea happens to infants?
For most cases, central apnea is what occurs to infants. Central Apnea occurs when the part of the brain that controls breathing doesn’t start or properly maintain the breathing process. This is very true premature infants, it’s seen fairly common because the respiratory center in the brain is immature. Other than being seen in premature infants, central apnea is the least common form of apnea and often has a neurological cause.
Two categories of Sleep Apnea among infants:
- 1. Apnea of Prematurity (AOP)
AOP may also occur in infants who are born prematurely (before 34 weeks of pregnancy). The reason for this is that the brain or the respiratory system may be immature or underdeveloped. The baby may not be able to regulate his or her own breathing normally. AOP can be either of any of the Sleep Apnea types.
Treatments for AOP
- keeping the infant’s head and neck straight (premature babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep to help keep the airways clear)
- medications to stimulate the respiratory system
- continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) — to keep the airway open with the help of forced air through a nose mask
- oxygen
Premature infants with AOP are followed closely in the hospital. If AOP doesn’t resolve before discharge from the hospital, an infant may be sent home on an apnea monitor and parents and other caregivers will be taught CPR. The family will work closely with the child’s doctor to have a treatment plan in place.
- 2. Apnea of Infancy (AOI)
Apnea of infancy occurs in children who are younger than 1 year old and who were born after a full-term pregnancy. Following a complete medical evaluation, if a cause of apnea isn’t found, it’s often called apnea of infancy. AOI usually goes away on its own, but if it doesn’t cause any significant problems (such as low blood oxygen), it may be considered part of the child’s normal breathing pattern.
Infants with AOI can be observed at home with the help of a special monitor prescribed by a sleep specialist. This monitor records chest movements and heart rate and can relay the readings to a hospital apnea program or save them for future examination by a doctor. Parents and caregivers will be taught CPR before the child is sent home.
Parents should take a close look on their infants and Sleep Apnea because these might just be lead to a very life threatening event in your family. And if you think that your child has apnea, make sure to call your doctor for help.